SOMERSET, Mass. -- Somerset Police and Massachusetts State Police are searching for a driver they say hit a wheelchair-bound man near the intersection of Read Street and Southway Drive late Friday evening and then took off.
Investigators say James Moore, 65, of P73 Murphy VIllage was taken to Charlton Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead around 1 a.m. Saturday.
The vehicle involved is believed to be a dark silver late model Toyota (2000-2004), possibly a Corolla, the police said. The vehicle involved sustained front passenger side damage, including to the right headlight area.
Somerset Police Chief Joseph C. Ferreira described Moore as a kind person who was well known throughout the town.
"Just a couple of weeks ago, he drove his wheelchair to a town meeting. He sought me out and let me know that he purposely came to the meeting to support the police," Ferreira said.
The police helped him get home when the meeting ended at 11 p.m.
Somerset Police and Massachusetts State Police are jointly investigating the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Somerset police at (508) 679-2138.